Lap quilts for nursing home residents

My niece who lives with me works as a CNA for a nursing home. She was telling me about some of the residents that are only supported by the state and have no family members etc., to help them with expenses for clothes or personal items. She was saying so many of them are frail and get cold so easy and have nothing to put on to keep them warm so I gave her some clothes I was going to donate to Good Will for her residents...then I got to thinking that maybe I could make some lap quilts that could also be used around their shoulders to help keep them warm this winter. I was wondering if any of you might have easy quilt patterns that I could use to make about 44 quilts with. I know of a couple but thought maybe someone might of already had done something like this, and might of worked out the kinks with really easy patterns. Or do any of you know of any easy jacket patterns...anything that would help them. I'm going to be down with a knee replacement the end of Oct. so I thought maybe this would be a good project to help others this winter for me. Thanks and all suggestions are appreciated!

My niece who lives with me works as a CNA for a nursing home. She was telling me about some of the residents that are only supported by the state and have no family members etc., to help them with expenses for clothes or personal items. She was saying so many of them are frail and get cold so easy and have nothing to put on to keep them warm so I gave her some clothes I was going to donate to Good Will for her residents...then I got to thinking that maybe I could make some lap quilts that could also be used around their shoulders to help keep them warm this winter. I was wondering if any of you might have easy quilt patterns that I could use to make about 44 quilts with. I know of a couple but thought maybe someone might of already had done something like this, and might of worked out the kinks with really easy patterns. Or do any of you know of any easy jacket patterns...anything that would help them. I'm going to be down with a knee replacement the end of Oct. so I thought maybe this would be a good project to help others this winter for me. Thanks and all suggestions are appreciated!

Lap quilts are probably the easiest but not the cheapest. If you do them just use squares sewn together and flannel for batting.

We used sheeting for backing or flannel which ever we could get the cheapest. We also made over 150 reversible vests one year for Christmas..even the men loved them. We saw tears from men and women (tears of happiness) They had been remembered. We matched the fabric to each persons likes or past history. You can draft up a really simple pattern. Be sure to make them at least one size bigger than they wear as they have trouble getting their arms up and into anything. They went fast and easy to make. Also we would buy with our $$$$ yarn and tea towels to give to those who wanted to sew or make things they used to....We got lots of Kitchen towels with crocheted tops and buttons. We paid for the materials and then bought them back from the residents....They loved it and had a little spending money of their own. Some were not of the best quality but it was worth seeing their faces light up when they provided something for us.
We also provided paperback books to those that still read....pick them up for a dime or so at sales....They would fold the corner of the pages down on what they thought were good readings and pass them back to us or to another resident. At Christmas time we had several employees bring in things they received and did not want such as powder, perfume, lotions, BLING for the girls. Just keep your eyes open as to what you can do that does not cost you your paycheck. Even candy is a treat to them. Good Luck and have fun. Bless you for noticing others need help and doing something about it. Carol RN

I'm wondering if there were members here that would want to volunteer to make some, or donate fabric, or squares. I'm not a great sewer, and I'm not totally proud of my skills, but I would think of helping out. Some of the members have been very generous with their scraps, and I would love to share. Let me know.
Barri

Log cabin patterns always go so fast for me. If you do simple patterns and split the colors on a diagonal, you can arrange the same blocks a bunch of different ways to make "different" quilts. You might want to cut all the fabric before your knee surgery, but after that the chain-stitching is fast, and all you'd have to do is stitch, cut, press, repeat for as many blocks as you have fabric for. I have a spreadsheet worked up that tells me how much of each fabric I need for a certain-sized quilt, and if you like I could work up the numbers for you for whatever dimensions you were planning.

Also, to keep it simple, I'd suggest making the backing a flannel, then just folding it over the sides to the front for the binding. Quick and easy, and soft and warm

I'm wondering if there were members here that would want to volunteer to make some, or donate fabric, or squares. I'm not a great sewer, and I'm not totally proud of my skills, but I would think of helping out. Some of the members have been very generous with their scraps, and I would love to share. Let me know.
Barri

I second that idea. I'd be more than willing to donate some scraps, or even blocks (maybe everyone could donate enough blocks for one quilt?).

If people would help out that would be awesome!!! I know it's a lot to ask of people because we are all busy with our own lives, but when my niece told me she had to go take clothes from other residents to clothe some of the people that didn't have anything to keep them warm my heart just broke. I thought it's the least I can do to help keep someone warm and comfortable...we never know when it could be us or someone we care about.
I have several bolts of flannel I bought last year from JoAnn's when they had their sale so I probably have enough for several dozen backings. Any help would be greatly appreciated and if any of you would like the name of the nursing home for their own reference I will certainly provide it to show it's a legit cause. It's just something I thought of doing on my own to help make the life a little better for some people that can't help themselves.

Linda, I often wonder about state supported people in nursing homes. My Dear Dad is in a home now with Alzheimer's and my Mom looks after him daily. But, we notice others who never have visitors, let alone someone who brings them things they need. Lap quilts or the easily put on shawls are a great idea. I would think simple patchwork squares of 8.5" or 12.5" squares would be greatly appreciated and go together quickly. SITD or tieing them also would speed the quilting up. Pretty sure noone cares if they are perfectly sewn. It's the thought that really touches hearts. God bless you.

PS: knee replacements are worth it. I have had both of mine replaced.

Linda
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see. [John Newton (1725-1807)]

I have made several for the residents where my Grandmother lives I use the Missouri Star Quilt Company patern called the double cut or twice cut square. they have a tut on it starts with a 10 inch sq. great for large scraps. goes together fast. no fussing used flannel or soft cotton for backing.